Decorative bowl

ABSTRACT

A container includes an inner bowl and an outer bowl with compartments there-between for filled with material so as to create decorative patterns and ornamentation. The inner bowl is preferably nested on the outer bowl to form a cavity in between walls of the inner bowl and outer bowl. The cavity is preferably partitioned via walls or ribs to form a number of compartments to hold small pieces of natural or synthetic materials such as beans, gravel, beads, or candy. The inner and/or outer bowls are preferably made with transparent plastic material so as to enable the interior material within the cavity to be seen. By filling the compartments within the cavity with particles of selected or different materials, it can create a variety of decorative patterns and ornamentation for the container.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the ornamental design for a bowl or a container and, more particularly, to a method of decorating a container, such as a bowl or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bowls or other containers made with synthetic or natural materials are often provided, e.g., printed, with surface patterns or surface ornamentation to enhance their visual appearance. While variety of techniques exist for placing patterns or ornamentation on containers, these existing techniques provide patterns or ornamentation that cannot be altered. For example, they are fixed onto the container via imprinting onto the surface or the like. Some illustrative known containers are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,093 (Porchia et al.), U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 394,189 (Reynaert et al.), U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 376,960 (Ferris), U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,345 (Knoss et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,948 (McEntee).

[0003] In addition to common fixed patterns or ornamentation, the following containers have been developed that have patterns or ornamentation with pre-established dynamic qualities that cannot be altered by end users. First, U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,383 (Witkowski) shows one exemplary known container having a transparent or translucent tubular sleeve mounted for rotation. The '383 patent further shows complementary moire markings applied to the adjacent walls of the container and the sleeve so that when the sleeve is rotated, moving or animated transitory images are produced. Second, it has also been know to use thermo chromic ink coated on outer surface of a container so that when the ink is heated, the ink turns from transparent to a solid color, thus displaying a pattern.

[0004] Prior to the present invention, container patterns or ornamentation have been substantially static and/or unchangeable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The preferred embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, to provide a method and a means of creating decorative patterns on a container (e.g., bowl or the like), such that the pattern can be changed by the end-user. Preferably, the pattern can be changed from time to time at the end-user's convenience.

[0006] The present invention can be used to overcome prior art deficiencies by providing a method and apparatus that allows end-users to create patterns visible through the surfaces of bowls or containers. In most preferred embodiments, the patterns created by the end-users can be changed in accordance with the user's desires and at various times.

[0007] The preferred embodiments include a bowl or container made of a transparent or translucent material. Most preferably, the material is a transparent plastic material, but it could be made with glass or any other transparent or translucent material, and/or it can be made so as to include opaque portions so long as areas are provided with transparency or translucency.

[0008] The preferred embodiments provide a container that has double walls so that a cavity is formed between the double walls. In preferred embodiments, the cavity is partitioned with dividing walls to form a number of compartments. In order to change the patterns viewed by the user, the user can simple place a particular material(s) or element(s) into one or more of the compartments. Preferably, the materials placed into the compartments include small particles or items of natural or synthetic materials. In this manner, a user can simply alter the desired pattern by replacing or rearranging the small particles or items in the compartments. In less preferred embodiments, wet or fluid materials could potentially be filled into the compartments.

[0009] The above and other aspects features and advantages of the present invention will be further appreciated based on the following description of certain preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is shown by way of example and not limitation in the attached figures, in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a decorative bowl according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a sectional front elevation view of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a right-side elevation view of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the decorative bowl shown in FIG. 1 with the inner bowl removed;

[0018]FIG. 8 is an exploded pictorial view of the decorative bowl of the bowl shown in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 9 is an exploded pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of the decorative bowl; and

[0020]FIG. 10 is another exploded pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of the decorative bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the decorative bowl is shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, the bowl includes an outer bowl 1, an inner bowl 2, and a door 3. All of these pieces of compartments are preferably made with a translucent or, more preferably, transparent, material. Most preferably, a transparent plastic material is used. The outer bowl is made slightly larger in diameter and in height than the inner bowl such that when the inner bowl is nested in the outer bowl, a cavity is formed between them. The inner bowl is made with a flange 12 that extends outwards from the top edge, or rim, of the inner bowl and that bridges over a cavity between the two bowls. The outer edge of the flange is preferably formed with a short depending vertical wall 13, creating a ring-shape shell that fits over the top edge, or rim, of the outer bowl. With this arrangement, the inner bowl can preferably be turned freely about a vertical axis concentric to the center of the outer bowl.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the outer bowl is preferably designed with ribs 11 integrally formed or otherwise permanently attached to the inner wall of the outer bowl. In a preferred embodiment, ten straight ribs are provided. However, those in the art would understand based on this disclosure that the number of ribs can be made to any value and that the ribs can have a variety of shapes (e.g. they do not have to be straight. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs are made to a height so as to be proximate the outer surface of the inner bowl so that the ribs act as partitions, separating the cavity between the inner bowl and outer bowl into compartments.

[0023] With the plurality of compartments surrounding the container and the transparency to the interior of the compartments from the exterior of the container, the user can use the compartments to vary the pattern or ornamentation of the bowl to meet their desires. In some exemplary embodiments, the compartments can be filled with small particles or items, such as, by way of example and not limitation, dry pebbles, aquarium gravel, beads, dried flowers, dried pasta, candy, dry beans, nuts, dry grains, streamers, ribbons, buttons, confetti, and any other type of preferably dry and loose particles or items. In some instances, the user can fill each compartment with different types of particles or a mixture of several particles. As the bowls are made with transparent plastic material, the patterns formed by the particles inside the compartments can be readily seen in the preferred embodiments. Consequently, the bowl is capable of being decorated in a way that is decided by the user.

[0024] Preferably, the flange 12 of the bowl includes an opening to facilitate the filling of the particles into the compartments of the cavity. Because, in the illustrative embodiment, the inner bowl can be rotated to various positions about the outer bowl, this opening can hence be positioned to allow access to each of the ten compartments in the present embodiment. Preferably, a door 3 is provided to close the opening on the flange 12 after the user fills particles or items into the desired compartments. The door 3 preferably includes a snap-fit engagement with the bowl 2. However, the door can be connected via any suitable means known in the art, such as hinges or any other releasable connectors.

[0025] It should be understood by those in the art based on this disclosure that the device shown in FIGS. 1-8 are to one representative embodiment and that the a variety of other embodiments are possible.

[0026] In that regard, FIG. 9 shows one illustrative alternative embodiment, wherein rather than forming compartments via ribs extending from the outer bowl, ribs are formed together (e.g., integrally molded together or the like) as a separate piece or component 21. In this embodiment, the component 21 can be sandwiched between the inner and outer bowl. In this alternative embodiment, the configuration of the inner and outer bowls and the door can otherwise remain substantially the same as that in the foregoing embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 10 shows yet another illustrative embodiment, wherein the outer bowl is similar to that shown in FIG. 9, but is provided with ribs as shown. This exemplary embodiment preferably includes an intermediate bowl 32. The intermediate bowl is preferably made to fit over the ribs of the outer bowl. This intermediate bowl can also be attached permanently (e.g., glued, molded, or otherwise attached) on the edge of the ribs or can be loosely placed over the ribs). In this embodiment, the compartments are formed between the outer bowl and the intermediate bowl. In this embodiment, the opening on the flange in the inner bowl can be eliminated and the inner bowl can be removed from the assembly without breaking apart the compartments. In this manner, for example, the decorations in the compartments can remain in place while the inner bowl is removed during cleaning or the like. , which hold various types of loose particles.

[0028] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood by those in the art that the described embodiments are merely illustrative and that various adaptations, reconstructions, modifications and/or alternatives can be made by those in the art based on this disclosure based on circumstances, and the present invention encompasses any and all of such adaptations, reconstructions and/or alternatives. As just one example, while preferred embodiments of the invention include compartments made between inner and outer bowls, other embodiments can include compartments formed on or in a single container or bowl (e.g., whether integral therewith or internally or externally mounted). Additionally, while embodiments do not illustrate a container that includes a cover or lid, various embodiments can include such a cover or lid. In addition, the shapes of the containers can be selected as desired, such as square, rectangular, circular (e.g., as shown), elliptical, irregular, etc. in various other embodiments. Additionally, in some preferred embodiments, the materials can be constructed to withstand placement within one or more of a dishwashing machine, a microwave oven and/or a stove and/or to withstand placement upon a gas, electric or other form of heating element or the like. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for household items, comprising: a. an inner bowl and an outer bowl; b. said inner bowl and outer bowl having at least one cavity formed therebetween; c. separating ribs located within said cavity so as to separate the cavity into a plurality of compartments, the interior of at least one of said compartments being visible from the exterior of said container through one or more of said inner and outer bowls; and c. a closeable opening provided into at least one of said compartments to enable the filling of small particles or items therein; whereby decorative appearance can be provided by filling one or more compartment with small particles or items as desired.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is a bowl for food products.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein said bowl is a vegetable, fruit or salad bowl. 4 The container of claim 1, wherein the components are made with a transparent material.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the components are made with a transparent plastic material.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein said ribs are attached or molded to the inner surface of the outer bowl.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of said compartments is filled with small natural or synthetic particles or items.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein said particles or items include edible food products.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein said particles or items include at least one particle or item from the group consisting of dry pebbles, aquarium gravel, beads, dried flowers, dried pasta, candy, dry beans, nuts, dry grains, streamers, ribbons, buttons and confetti.
 10. The container of claim 7, wherein the particles or items are formed into decorative patterns visible from the exterior of the container.
 11. The container of claim 1, further including an opening through a flange of the inner bowl that extends over the outer bowl to facilitate filling.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein a door is provided to close said opening.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner bowl is freely rotatable about a generally vertical axis through generally a center of the outer bowl.
 14. A method of decorating a container for household items, comprising: i) providing a container for household items, comprising: a. an inner bowl and an outer bowl; b. said inner bowl and outer bowl having a plurality of compartments formed in therebetween, the interior of at least one of said compartments being visible from the exterior of said container through one or more of said inner and outer bowls; and ii) having an end user fill decorative material into one or more of said compartments via a closeable opening.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said decorative material is a dry material.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said decorative material is a wet or fluid material.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein said container is a bowl for food products.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein said bowl is a vegetable, fruit or salad bowl.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the inner and outer bowls are made with a transparent material.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the transparent material is a transparent plastic material. 